permission

noun

per·​mis·​sion pər-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce permission (audio)
Synonyms of permission
1
: the act of permitting
2
: formal consent : authorization

Synonyms of permission

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Examples of permission in a Sentence

They got permission from the city to build an apartment complex. The teacher gave me her permission to go home early.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Last month, San Francisco lawmakers unanimously declared the Latin Rock House a historic landmark, formally protecting the Spanish-style home from being painted over, altered or destroyed by future owners or developers without the city's permission. — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026 Over the years, many singers, including Elvis Presley, asked for permission to record the song. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Family life Harald dated Sonja Haraldsen for nine years before King Olav V, after consultation with the Norwegian Parliament, gave permission for the couple to marry. — James Frater, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 The park had previously sought permission to send the animals to China's Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in late 2025, but that proposal was rejected. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for permission

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin permission-, permissio, from permittere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of permission was in the 15th century

Rhymes for permission

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Browse Nearby Words

permissibly
permission
permissive
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Cite this Entry

“Permission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/permission. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

permission

noun
per·​mis·​sion pər-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce permission (audio)
1
: the act of permitting
2
: the consent of a person in authority
has permission to leave
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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